ANTONIO Banderas and Melanie Griffith are to divorce after 18 years of marriage.

Actress Melanie, 56, has reportedly cited 'irreconcilable differences' in the legal documents as the reason for their sudden split.

A statement issued by the couple's publicist reported the split was "loving and friendly".

It reads: "We have thoughtfully and consensually decided to finalize our almost 20 years marriage in a loving and friendly manner honoring and respecting each other, our family and friends and the beautiful time we have spent together."

The couple were married for 18 years [WENN]

The court documents confirmed the rumours they were to divorce [SPLASH]

The couple met on the set of Hollywood movie Two Much in 1995 when she was 37 and he was just 34 years old.

The couple have a daughter together, 17-year-old Stella.

It's reported Melanie is requesting child support for the couple's daughter as well as sole physical and joint legal custody.

Melanie, who has been divorced three times before, was married to suave Spaniard Antonio for 18 years - but the couple were dogged by rumours of their relationship hitting a rocky patch recently.

Melanie was seen on the red carpet on Thursday, and looked fine [SPLASH]

Melanie posted this pic of her husband on Twitter, back in March [TWITTER]